The violence in the northern England town of Oldham has sparked concern that the police are neglecting Asian communities.

Sunday's rioting came after more serious violence on Saturday, in which up to 500 Asian youths battled against lines of riot police.

Michael Meacher MP for Oldham West and Royton believes violence broke out after verbal abuse and a brawl had left parts of the Asian community feeling that police did not adequately protect Asian pupils.

How can trust be restored between the police and Asian communities? What can be done to calm the situation?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

Your reaction

I think the problem is one of poverty and a lack of willingness to integrate into the local community

James,
UK

I think the problem is one of poverty and a lack of willingness to integrate into the local community. The creation of ethnic ghettos in deprived cities only fuels further tension. I live in a very ethnically diverse neighbourhood in Reading and there is very little racial tension. I think this is because blacks, whites and Asians live side by side in a prosperous town with relatively few social problems.
James,
UK

I don't know if the police are neglecting the Asian community but my brother got drafted in on Sunday night to the riots on his day off and I don't care what anyone says, he doesn't get paid enough to have petrol bombs thrown at him. The police were there to control the situation not become a target.
Anonymous,
UK

The majority of the letters written here are about direct black and white racism. You're all wrong. Racism (if that's what it is) is just an excuse for those to let off steam who see the REAL problem in this country whether they be black,
white or sky blue pink with yellow dots on.
In the UK no matter what colour we are we will not get anywhere until someone puts a stop to the massive dividing line between rich and poor and the haves and have nots. I work and drive all over the UK every day and the differing levels of poverty I see in ALL areas is very, very upsetting. There are those in the city of London (black AND white) making tens of THOUSANDS per day while others (black AND white) are starving. This isn't right surely.
DG,
UK

It is time that the authorities cracked down on racist organisations such as the National Front and the BNP. In Germany, the government make it extremely difficult for Nazi groups to operate. We need to take this sort of action in the UK.
Yilmaz Mamedy,
UK

Immigration has changed Britain considerably

John Murphy,
Ireland

Politicians seem to be blaming the BNP for the riots in Oldham. Whether or not one agrees or indeed disagrees with their views, they have a right to voice their opinions. This is particularly true as immigration has changed Britain considerably, and yet there never has been a referendum on the issue. Therefore, if the BNP is to blame for the riots, it was the failure of politicians to consult the British public on immigration in the past, that gives the BNP its legitimacy today.
John Murphy,
Ireland

It is up to community leaders, government officials and the police to set the foundation for improved relations. These groups need to work on preventing this from happening again. The government must do more to monitor not only the far right political parties, but also hate groups and gangs from both sides. It wouldn't hurt to also increase the size of the police force. There is only so much they can do unless the government provides additional financial support.
KB,
USA

Asians need to address their own prejudices
toward others if they want to be treated as equals

Reshma,
London, UK

As a Gujrati woman married to a white
Scotsman, I had not experienced any
racism until this weekend in Glasgow.
The racist comments where not made
by a white person but by an Asian. I am
sorry to say that this did not surprise
me as the majority of Asian people are
closet racists. They may take offence
to this broad general statement, but ask
any of them about their sons or daughters
marrying a white person and most will
have an objection in one form or another.
They will base this on the loose morals of
a white person or the ease at which they
will consider divorce, and so on and so on.
Asians need to address their own prejudices
toward others if they want to be treated as equals.
Reshma,
London, UK

Youths should get more incentives to go on community programmes. Oldham council should say what they have done to improve relations and housing in the past. The police should show care and respect to Oldham citizens and be fair to all races.
Satnam Shoker,
England

I'm an Indian doctor doing part of my postgraduate training in psychiatry in Edinburgh. I have been concerned by the events at Oldham. They bear a frightening resemblance to similar events in America, where race relations are now so polarised and vitiated. They also remind me of the problems we face in India with the caste system. Wherever politicians have brought in affirmative action, there has been resentment in the "majority", and further polarisation.
Aditya,
India

What is the point of looting and destroying your own town? Seems to be a pretty stupid response to a grievance to me. Maybe all these people that are so keen on hating their neighbour should come to Liverpool and take a drive (in their armoured car) through Toxteth. And then it would hit home that rioting and destroying their community ultimately hurts them.
Carlos,
Liverpool, UK

The race relations in this country are appalling. We still do not integrate our whole population. This division of people into gender, racial and sexual preference stereotypes causes friction and competition. Until real integration takes place and while people who are not indigenous are treated as outsiders, the racists and bigots thrive. On the more positive side, the majority of ethnic Britons are NOT racists - the vote on June 7th will bear me out. We are English and proud of our diversity.
Andrew Earl,
England.

There can be no excuse for rioting

Terry Williams,
UK

Yet again were all stuck on the one-way street of Racism in the town of Political Correctness. There is nothing better than a society full of different customs and beliefs, but there can be no excuse for rioting. I know it is not the "in thing" but shouldn't those 500 Asian thugs that attacked the police and not the whites they claimed to have a problem with, be more shunned for what they did. One of your previous contributors made an excellent point, which I think sums the crazy situation in this country up: Black Pride is fine, White Pride is racist. Personally I think that both are racist, but until all the do-gooders get their heads out of the sand and realise that we do live in a racist society, but not the one-way street they think it is, things will only get worse.
Terry Williams,
UK

I have been going to England for 2 years in summer holidays but I was amazed when my friends warned me not to stay in Liverpool central after 5pm to avoid any racist event. I think racism in England in 21st century is only due to ignorance.
Qasim,
Canada

The problem is that people from poor neighbourhoods are being easily manipulated by demagogues who play a racial card for their personal advantages. There are no more saintly people like Mahatma Gandhi or Dr. King left, but shrewd and cynical politicians only...
Ilya Girin,
USA

I appeal to all Asians not to repeat their recent violence

Antonio d'agostino,
UK

I appeal to all Asians not to repeat their recent violence and use this as a positive step forward in working together to resolve the delicate issues that surround them. They can be resolved, remember this is the UK, there is no other nation that is more tolerant and understanding and willing to listen. So stop throwing petrol bombs as this only stirs up more racial hatred and follow the example set by smart people like the Pakistani High Commissioner who has called on Asians to stop the violence and pull together. The British are not racist but for a small minority, whose standing will only increase if the violence is repeated.
Antonio d'agostino,
Peterborough, UK

Every once in a while something like this occurs; reminding us all that race issues are here to stay and that education is the only remedy.
Faisal,
USA

As a white married to a black African and having worked both here and in Africa, this is my take on how to stop this sort of thing: No ghettoes. No quotas. No special treatment for anyone. No affirmative action. If you live here as a citizen you are British, not Pakistani, Nigerian, Chinese, or whatever. Multi-culturalism just doesn't work, since all it does is reinforce differences. What we need to do is encourage people to see what they have in common, NOT what makes them different. To this extent, multiculturalism is not the answer to the problem - it actually is the problem.
Euan Gray,
Edinburgh, UK

It will take Oldham many, many years to restore the notion of trust, love and respect for one another

Mr Chowdhury,
Oldham, UK

Local papers have a record of sensationalising attacks on whites and not reporting racist attacks on black and Asian people. There is racism in Oldham: it comes from the police and a small minority of racists. When members of the Asian community rejected the claim that there were "no-go" areas for whites, one of Oldham's senior police officers said "You must have spoken to the only 12 people in the area that can read or write". This is a racist remark, which also ignited the fuel over the weekend - not to mention the outside elements such as the National Front and British National Party who have stirred the notion of "Pakis out" to the gullible white lads from the Fittonhill, Limeside area. The NF and BNP have simply moved away from the scene and left the dirty work to them.

It will take Oldham many, many years to restore the notion of trust, love and respect for one another. We need to look at factors such as investments, shopping and local tourist attractions - no longer will people from outside have trust in entering these areas. We need to work together as one team, communicate and collaborate and ensure that the Council and Police do not give up hope in supporting the community financially, because if this support weakens we may see a negative image from the general public.
Mr Chowdhury,
Glodwick, Oldham, UK.

If I was an alien looking down on this earth, I would feel that evolution needed to keep running for another thousand years or so, until we learnt to live side by side with our fellow man and respect nature, or until we managed to wipe ourselves out, whichever comes first.
Mandi,
UK

As a proud young British Asian, I was horrified by the events in Oldham, but I can't help but feel a sense of double standards by the media and press. This trouble was stoked up by a recent mugging of a war veteran, which was a horrific attack. This was all over the papers, news etc, but when a similar attack occurs on a black/Asian person why does it not get the same attention? There have been numerous attacks in Wales, the Midlands and London but they haven't got any media coverage at all, why? Although this country is very welcoming towards other cultures, the other cultures feel they do not get a fair crack of the whip, because they are constantly made to feel different, by the media and politicians. Why do most Asians still support their homelands at cricket matches? Because they are always referred to as "Asian" and not "British". No matter how much we try and integrate we will never be "English" - the colour of our skin will always precede us.

The Oldham events were unfortunate and uncalled-for but the way the media is saying Oldham is overrun with Asians, is another untruth - they only number 13% of the population. The police need to be more effective in dealing with racial crimes on both sides. They also need to be more effective in dealing with the true racists who cause all of the problems - the National Front and the British National Party - these people are a blot on our society and have no place there. We can live happily together but there needs to be compassion and understanding on both sides, and there needs to be equal treatment from people in charge of our lives, police councils, media etc.
Sol Naveen,
England

Judge someone by their character not by the colour of their skin

Andrew,
Wales

Why do we have 'no-go' areas for whites? Can you imagine the uproar if Manchester or London set up a 'no-go' area for blacks or Asians? Perhaps the real reason why we have racial conflicts is because of these double standards, as well as positive discrimination and other forms of political correctness (ie Black pride is acceptable, whereas White pride would be racist!) Respect the views of Martin Luther King:"Judge someone by their character not by the colour of their skin"!
Andrew,
Wales

I live within 5 minutes walk of the centre of Glodwick and am appalled and frightened by the developments over the past few weeks. Events have taken a massive turn for the worse, but not an unexpected one. Local people have been aware of a gradual stoking of tensions for years now, communities feel that they are being unfairly treated (Asian and white, and others)and a general sense of fear has been building. A year ago now, I walked, alone, down Waterloo Street in Glodwick and was attacked by a group of Asian youths in a racially motivated attack - one of many assaults which have gone unreported - and rather than deliberately fanning the flames of hatred, local press and council officers have been playing it down, giving a false sense of security.

I have lived in this area for 30 years, but no longer feel safe and have not done so for some time now. Closer partnership and an honest appraisal of a very real problem are the only answer. Would Tony Blair live in the centre of Glodwick for one week without Special Branch protection? Would he send his kids to Breeze Hill school? If not, how is he going to help fix the problem and how can we have faith in anyone to act with an open heart and, above all, honesty? Social exclusion is a massive problem for all sections of the community - if indeed we still have one in Oldham any longer. Complacency in this matter cannot be allowed, evil agitators, whether from the BNP or from extremist Asian groups, should be rounded up and severely dealt with in an impartial manner. The world is watching, let's surprise them by actually doing something right!
Steve,
Oldham, UK

I have no doubt that the underlying
causes of the riots in Oldham are
much more complex than it appears
on the surface. However, having
lived for some time in a country that
does everything possible to
encourage and ensure racial
harmony, I am convinced that
Britain is not doing enough. This
world of ours is a multi-racial, multi-
cultural one, and the countries that
will prosper in it will be those that
embrace racial and cultural diversity
the most positively. Racist
organisations, such as the National
Front, have absolutely no place and
should not be tolerated in any way
whatsoever. It is well past time
for the British people to end their
tolerance of such racist groups.
Martin,
Singapore

The honest truth is different races do not trust other races

Jim, USA

Show me a country that has true "multi-culturalism" that works. Singapore and Malaysia claim to have such a system, but police and the government are in place to enforce the peace, and to censor the words of anyone who they think might spark "racial unrest." The Chinese say the Malays are lazy. The Malays say the Chinese are money-faced, and both say the Indians are troublemakers. The old adage, "Birds of a feather, flock together," applies here. The honest truth is different races do not trust other races, and mostly do not really like other races. Social engineers have been trying to change this for at least a hundred years, and it still hasn't succeeded. While one race may tolerate another from a distance, trying to mix them up close hasn't produced very concrete results.
Jim ,
USA

I have been to England once a year ago and I remember that the first thing on my mind was "now this is a multicultural society". Therefore, it's sad to hear about the race problems. Race problems exist everywhere, even in India (in the form of castism). We too have had riots over caste problems. And our governments too have made bold comments of reforms which have led us to even more problems. I too was a part of those riots and looking back I can only conclude it was a sheer waste of my time and my soul. Rioting accomplishes nothing. My message to all the rioters of the world, GROW UP and THINK before you fall right into the hands of politicians.
AS,
India

I was shocked and saddened to hear about the riots in Oldham. I have no doubt that members of Oldham's ethnic minorities have indeed suffered prejudice and discrimination, and this kind of racism (indeed, any kind of racism) should certainly be met with "zero tolerance". But unfortunately, by turning to violence and lawlessness, the rioters have damaged their own cause, and their behaviour is sure to be regretted by the majority of law-abiding, peaceful Asians in the community whose reputation is tarnished simply by association. Right now, it is imperative that community leaders get together and work out a way to ensure that the recent problems act as a catalyst for positive change and not for heightened tension. Let Oldham be an example of a town in which racist prejudice is confined to the history books.
Jane,
UK (Japan)

The longer we look at the colour of each other's skin, the longer problems will continue

Graham Taylor,
UK

I personally think it will take a long time to fix the relationship between whites and Asians. People have to realise that we do live in a multi-cultural society. Living in Hong Kong for 17 years has shown me that different cultures can live together. Unfortunately you have the whites who feel that their land is being invaded, and the Asians thinking that they are hard done by. The longer we look at the colour of each other's skin, the longer problems will continue.
Graham Taylor,
UK

To solve any issues you have to go to the root of the problem. We must give more powers to the police to deal with extremist parties as well as controlling law and order. People in ethnic minorities must be able to trust the police, which at present is clearly lacking.
Basa,
England

Having been brought up in Oldham but now living and working in London, I was surprised to see how helpful the London Metropolitan Police was compared to the hostility and intimidation which a person feels from the Oldham Police. If peace and calm is to be restored then the local police force in Oldham needs to change in order to gain respect from the local ethnic population and stop treating them in a hostile manner.
Imtiaz Ahmed,
Manchester, UK

I wish the people of Oldham all the best and hope that they can all live in peace

Sharon Kasbia,
UK

I am a third generation British Asian and proud of it. However, I am disgusted with the fact that race riots are still occurring in this country. I totally understand the frustration of the young Asian youths of not feeling protected by the law, from racism. Although I in no way commend racism on any person of any race, this built up resentment was a time bomb waiting to happen. I wish the people of Oldham all the best and hope that they can all live in peace.
Sharon Kasbia,
UK

We've been living in la la land for a long while, multicultural this and that.
The reality is not the same as the myths. The older generation of immigrants were racially abused for years, but they kept quite and ignored all the assaults.
I myself remember the abuse, the attacks and the bricks through the windows when I was growing up and I was born in the 70's!
This generation, who were born and bred here will not be treated like 'foreigners'.
The fact that the 'establishment' still uses labels like 'Asians', 'Caribbeans', 'Africans' for people who were born here is proof that nothing has really changed.
The press is as guilty as the yobs like the National Front.
Zafar,
England

How about compulsory race education? Everyone in Oldham should receive education on the history and background of the "other side's" culture. Objections could then be aired and debated.
Ronnie,
UK

When I looked at the news on Saturday night, I just couldn't believe that those scenes were taking place in England. On way forward is to listen to the concerns of the disadvantaged communities AND validate those concerns. Listen also to the many people who live in the same community that their grandparents grew up in and are scared of the changes that 'newcomers' will bring to an area. Multi-agency groups should not be used only in times of crisis, they should be an integral part of every diversified community. It's time that we teach our children that diverse doesn't have to mean divided.
Elisabet,
Stoke-0n-Trent

It's very important for British people to stay together and seek a sooner resolution of conflict

Maxim Bouev,
UK and Russia

It's very important for British people to stay together and to seek a sooner resolution of a conflict. Russian experience with Chechnya has shown that if such riots are left unattended they could lead to more serious conflicts, and in Russia in fact they provoked a war!
Maxim Bouev,
UK and Russia

I think while the riot must be ended and BOTH parties must be calmed, it is important to assess the reasons behind this. Certain Tory MPs, such as John Townend, and the British National Party have stirred up the 'race card' to gain political advantage. While we saw first generation Asians like my parents silently tolerate racism, the second generation Asians are not prepared to take insults. If this issue is not analysed with care, we may see many Oldhams and gang warfares in the future!
John Kumar,
UK

The racism highlighted in Oldham is NOT typical of that across the UK! I live 10 minutes from Glodwick in Oldham and have never experienced problems with my white counterparts. Therefore I suggest that all those that think Britain is not a multi-cultural society, due to this isolated but of course serious incident, need to RE-THINK!
Asma,
Manchester,UK

I can't understand what those rioting youths hoped to accomplish by their actions

Alistair Wheate,
England

I can't understand what those rioting youths hoped to accomplish by their actions. Surely they have done more in the last couple of days to encourage anti-Asian feelings in the Anglo-Saxon majority than any white supremacy group could hope to achieve in a decade. By violently breaking the law, as they have done, these Asian youths are only playing into the racists' hands by doing exactly what they want them to do.
Alistair Wheate,
Nottingham, England

I recall the words of a black professor that I had in college. He said there are two kinds of people in this world, the educated and the uneducated. These are not teachers and doctors rioting in the streets, they are the uneducated. No one can force someone to become educated but they can provide the means to become educated. Colleges should be open to everyone no matter what their financial status. Then again, would they come if it was? I really see no end to this problem until we solve all our other problems. The youth today are misguided with no purpose or sense of direction and no hope.
Thomas Egleston,
Colorado, USA

It is indeed unfortunate that things got as bad as they did in Oldham. The tension had been brewing for a long time and nothing concrete was done to address the problems. Well, it's never to late to start, I think. The leaders of the Asian community should try to calm the youths, and at the same time have the courage to come up with workable solutions. There are better ways to demand your rights than setting light to cars and beating up innocent people.
Hassan Khan,
Canada

The BNP is a legal and lawful political party

Mark Payne,
England

It's been suggested that the BNP should be outlawed - it should NOT. The BNP is a legal and lawful political party that stands in democratic elections.
It was members of the National Front who were seen to be starting this trouble at the weekend, and not the British National Party, whose members were told to stay clear of violence at risk of expulsion. Nothing, but nothing is justification for 500 Asians rioting, and burning British cities down to rubble. Not even a few racist comments from lunatics!
Mark Payne,
England

The statistics for "racial" attacks are meaningless. I suppose the definition of a racist attack is one race attacking another. However, I would guess that many more violent acts occurring in Oldham are indiscriminate of race. Oldham is a violent town with many problems, not least high unemployment, poor housing, and high numbers of teenage pregnancies. It is typical of many other towns in the north of the UK - former industrial centres which have been neglected by the government for many years. I'm almost relieved that Oldham's issues have been brought to the front of politicians' consciousness. Hopefully, Oldham council will now admit that there is a problem and get some money for regeneration of the area.
Sarah,
Sweden (Ex-Oldhamer)

Something has to be done about the BNP/NF who are to blame for the riots in Oldham

KH,
Manchester, UK

Something has to be done about the BNP/NF who are to blame for the riots in Oldham. They started trouble and then left as soon as police arrived. It's time to ban the BNP/NF. Are we entitled to free speech when this free speech is incompatible with that of British Asians? They cause offence and misery, and ruin towns and lives. Ban them and don't allow them to have a voice in the media or in parliament.
KH,
Manchester, UK

This situation has been building in Oldham for a while now. There have been no-go areas for white people for quite a long time, and there have been sporadic racist attacks both ways over the last couple of years, especially more recently. The police should have done more ages ago, and community leaders and the church should be doing more also. I find it shocking that it has got this far.
Jeff Scholey,
UK

Regardless of who is at fault for the violence, it is very sad that whole sections of the community feel excluded. I feel the events in Oldham are the fruits of years of under-investment in education.
Personally I am all for free speech, but I think for a multi-racial country, such as Britain, to tolerate elements advocating
racism is not on. Those people identified as having sympathies with the National Front should be placed in re-education facilities.
Tom,
Australia

Oldham had more to do with yob mentality than racism

Jez, UK

Oldham had more to do with yob mentality than racism. A peaceful protest by the whole Asian community would have a greater effect on giving them better protection and gaining public support. By acting JUST LIKE the racists - damaging property, attacking the police - they have reduced the level of support and sympathy they would otherwise have got. Many people in this country are full of praise for the tolerance and strength of community normally displayed by Asian communities; this action has damaged their normally highly commendable public image.
Jez,
UK

As a former resident of Oldham, I am disgusted, but not surprised at the events of the weekend. I am angered by people politicising the situation, and local councillors trying to make out that there have been no problems in the past. There is a beautiful park (Alexandra Park) in Glodwick, that has been a no-go area for some years now (at least 7) due to gangs of youths of Asian origin who roam the area attacking people (whites) on a regular basis. There has also been an air of intimidation around the town centre for some years due to gangs of Asian youths loitering. Whilst I no way condone the BNP and NF stirring up matters, the ethnic communities in Oldham cannot wholly claim to be blameless victims.
ER,
UK

I went to school in Oldham and still have friends in Glodwick. Sad as the recent events are, they come as no surprise. Oldham has been a dreadfully racist town for many years, I know from experience. Anyone who says different is either lying or deluding themselves. What we witnessed last weekend was the straw finally breaking the camel's back. The Asian community in Oldham has put up with a hell of a lot over the years in terms of discrimination. The police have totally failed them and it's no wonder that, when their women were attacked, they justifiably did everything they could to defend themselves. People don't want to riot, they are forced to.
Idris Ahmad,
London, UK

We need to identify the media's role in all this

AS,
USA

We need to identify the media's role in all this. "Blacks attack a white" is front-page news. "Whites beat up an Asian" is on page 39, if at all. In the present election campaign, poverty amongst the minorities is not an even an issue. To any foreign visitor, this poverty is pretty obvious in the large urban areas of the UK. For certain, violence is not going to sort the problem. But ignoring these issues does not heap credit on key opinion makers either.
AS,
USA

Many youths fall into this trap of racism but then get older. I've known one youth who was constantly picked on by Asians - one day he got a very good battering - now he's best mates with Asians. We have to defend ourselves like the black people. We cannot tolerate it any more. At the same time, police should recruit more Asians.
Saj,
Sheff UK

Town planners have been blamed for making separate communities - it was not the planners but the people of these communities who chose to live near each other and segregate themselves. This also answers the poor housing and social exclusion. These people have not even tried to integrate into society they have excluded themselves. If the finger of blame is to be pointed at any one, it is the elders of the Asian community who do not want to know the English culture. As the saying goes, "when in Rome.."
Mark Gilligan,
England

How can the English cricket captain Nasser Hussain say that the Asians should support the country they live in and not their motherland ? So, Nasser, does that also include the ex-pats that have moved to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA etc etc ?
Camran,
USA

If the Asian community has issues, address them via proper channels

Patrick Mcfadyen,
Belgium

It's fair to say that the Asian community would appear to have some kind of issues to protest about, however we do live in a democracy and, given that they have chosen to live here, they have to accept that. If the community has issues, address them via proper channels. However when you get a situation when they start to throw petrol bombs at our police officers they then lose the right to be treated as anything other than a mindless thug and as such their cause has lost credibility. How can you take seriously anyone who throws a lit petrol bomb at a fellow human being, regardless of that person's colour?
Patrick Mcfadyen,
Belgium (Ex-pat - Scot)

A multi-cultural society is an illusion. What's important is that we create common cultural values on the bedrock of basic human rights.
Mac,
Dundee, Scotland

I recall a transmission of Question Time one evening on BBC Television about three years ago. Racism was the subject being discussed by the panel and audience. A white, working class lady in the audience, looking quite distressed asserted that there were 'No-Go' areas for whites in Oldham. She was immediately barracked by the bourgeois - the girl seated in the row in front of her could be heard tutting and saying 'You can't say things like that'. More recently, when the Greater Manchester police published figures indicating that the majority of racial attacks are perpetrated on white people, once again the sentiment expressed was 'You can't say things like that'. Well, one can and one should. Perhaps we should have listened to the lady from Oldham and the GM police sooner. Does saying this make me a racist? Should I be forced to sign a petition now to declare my non-racist credentials?
Tom,
England

The ultimate cause of all the rioting is social and economic neglect

Edwina Ramsay,
Norway

The ultimate cause of all the rioting is social neglect and economic neglect. Go to any place in any country with a diverse population which is also economically prosperous and you will scarcely find an iota of communal tension.
Edwina Ramsay,
Norway (ex UK)

Racism is an easy trap for the feeble-minded. Humans have a natural tendency to categorise and pigeonhole the world around them. Skin colour is just too obvious a difference for most people to ignore. A multicultural society is a good thing, separate communities for races (cultures) is not. In some areas Asians have gathered together in large numbers and imported their entire culture lock, stock and two smoking kebabs. Who can blame them or any immigrants? If I emigrated to another country which had a very different culture from mine, I would go looking for my fellow countrymen and probably move in next door. Chip shops and pubs would be sure to follow, as I'm sure any Spaniard living on the "Costa del Salford" will testify.

Racial integration takes time because nobody wants to lose their cultural identity. About four or five centuries should do it for Britain (if you exclude the English, Irish, Scots and Welsh enclaves).
Andy Kelly,
Manchester, UK (near France)

No matter what ethnic origins we have we are all British

Richard Avison, London

Referring to the Oldham rioters as "Asians" only perpetuates the notion that they do not really belong in this country. As Britain tries to embrace its multicultural identity it is time that the terminology used for all our citizens reflects the fact that no matter what ethnic origins we have we are all British. Then, at least part of the alienation felt by the youth of Oldham, and many others may be addressed
Richard Avison, London

I was talking to a friend of mine on the phone Sunday night when it seemed the second wave was about to kick off. Both her and her husband were terrified, this was very close to home. Neither of these people are racists and neither were the majority of people whose property was trashed. Rioting does not win favour from the masses for any race, if anything it breeds more hatred. Peaceful negotiation and working towards changing the things that are wrong in your area will gain you much more respect. As for the police, my friends were extremely happy they were out on the streets in force recently and I applaud their bravery.
Fiona, USA (British)

Why are there Asian, Black, White, etc communities? I thought it was supposed to be the United Kingdom! Housing people together by their race or colour is a breeding ground for racial tensions. Perhaps Britain should review its housing policies, and start treating every one, not by the colour of their skin, but by their true race - human!
Ceri, Australia (Welsh ex-pat)

I was in Manchester in my early student days in 1976. I felt very sad one day when a bunch of young adults coming out of a pub and one of them started shouting abuse at me and hurling stones at me. However, one member of the group tried to stop it, and I walked away from the scene. I felt hurt, but It also left me with a sign of hope that not all of them thought and acted in the same aggressive way.

One point I thought at that time was why children are not taught how racism hurts, and about the consequence of racism. How do we expect to teach our future adults to behave responsibly and create a healthy and prosperous country.
I personally settled in Canada and have two grown up children, who I am proud to say they had a healthy upbringing and should be able to contribute to the wellbeing of the society in general and the prosperity of the Canada.
SR, Canada

Mahatma Gandhi taught non-violence and achieved his goal only by non-violence. He did this in far more severe conditions than that of Oldham. Non-violent means to achieve results is the best way. The media plays a big part in stirring as well. Please media be honest and only report things that will not stir up trouble. Especially when it comes to colour.
Kiran Tailor, UK

In this world of Globalisation, economic slowdowns and terrorism, we only stand a chance if we stand united, as British, not Asians, Whites or Blacks!

Dr Shaaz Mahboob,
Nottingham, UK

Stephen Lawrence, Najib and now Oldham. Isn't it time we wake up and realise that rioting, be it by Whites, Asians or Blacks, is not going to get us anywhere. It wont "throw the Asians out of UK", nor would it "teach the Whites a lesson". We are all British, be that of any descent accept this fact, and in this world of Globalisation, economic slowdowns and terrorism, we only stand a chance if we stand united, as British, not Asians, Whites or Blacks!
Dr Shaaz Mahboob,
Nottingham, UK

The Police were very light-handed. Regardless of race, why were the 500 thugs not arrested? I don't think the cops in the US would let them get away so easily!
MS,
USA

After watching and reading about the events in Oldham, as a Brit, I was horrified and saddened. Britain is 'hailed' as one of the few Western countries that has gone through the multicultural experience quite well, so far. But the riots have proved we still have a long way to go.
Saloni Shah,
Canada

One of the largest problems of integrating any society is that all sides must be treated evenly

Alister Forbes,
UK

I deplore the violence perpetrated by either side, and I must say thank you to the police for standing in harms way.
My concern is with statements claiming that the police must be seen to take a hard line with "white racists" One of the largest problems of integrating any society is that all sides must be treated evenly. Surely this has to mean that all racists must be firmly dealt with, not merely white ones?
Alister Forbes,
UK

I think the main problem for all races in Oldham is unemployment. However, Asians have had to live in appalling housing conditions and suffer discrimination. I hope the attention that Oldham is at last getting leads to more investment in the town by the government and more understanding of the reasons for the violence. Both sides should realise that only a minority of each community is racist, violence is just alienating themselves.
Dean,
Oldham, England

The riots in Oldham have to stop and racism has to be dealt with swiftly. But this will never happen as Asian people will never trust the police due to the fact that time and time again we hear that the police are institutional racists ...need I say more?
Mahv,
Manchester, UK

Those do not believe Britain is a tolerant and multi-cultural society need to live abroad for a while. Britain in the new millennium offers, by and large, equal opportunities for all. The Asian communities have come so far in 40 yrs, Asian youngsters need to remind themselves of the sacrifices of elders and empower themselves to do something constructive - rather than let themselves follow a brainless yob culture.
Rizwan, Glasgow,
Scotland

People emigrate to England for the chance of a better life, but sadly, England is no longer a land of opportunity

Margaret,
Canada

Living in Canada, we are immersed with many different cultures and races. While it is not a multicultural utopia here, there is a greater level of tolerance. I believe the root problem to be the culture of "yobs" the fruit of the Margaret Thatcher era cutbacks to education and social programs. People emigrate to England for the chance of a better life, but sadly, England is no longer a land of opportunity.
Margaret,
Canada

Part of the problem stems from the fact that the rioters are youths, i.e. young men, who have always done rash and foolish things - like attacking a police force that is trying to protect them. Where is the leadership of wiser, cooler, older heads in the community?
Nigel Bennett,
York, UK

I live in Oldham and know that race relations here have been deteriorating over the last few years. Also, we have Bangladesh, Pakistani and Indian communities living, on the whole, at separate parts of the town which will increase tensions even more after the violence we have endured over the weekend. This is yet more evidence that most people do not want a multicultural society and these so-called liberals are doing more harm to this country than good.
Lee,
Oldham, England

We need to tackle the serious issues of high unemployment (40%), poor housing and social exclusion

Khalid Mahmud,
England

Where can we start?
We need to tackle the serious issues of high unemployment (40%), poor housing and social exclusion. The police have not helped with their 'heavy handed' approach disguised as 'zero 'tolerance'.
Its a wake up call for all of us. There are many areas like throughout Britain both Asian and White where economic deprivation has led to tensions.
Khalid Mahmud,
England

Both sides are as bad as each other... Racism is apparent in white Europeans but also in our non white neighbours. It is about time we stop blaming each other for something that minority of all are guilty of.
For the police I give my praise for their bravery to date. However, I believe it is time that baton round (plastic bullets) are used in this country to control yobs who destroy property, attack police and the general public.
Rob,
UK

In the first place there should not be separate communities at all for races. The planners have to ensure people do not live in areas based on the race or religion. Race mixed with religion is a deadly cocktail. I think there a lesson for everybody here for community leaders, politicians and police.
Harish,
India

The police get stuck in the middle and are damned if they do something and damned if they don't

GR,
UK

The police must take a hard line against racism perpetrated by ANY person, no matter what their colour. I was dismayed that the police were blamed by some for this violence and accused of taking a heavy-handed approach. The police, as usual, get stuck in the middle and are damned if they do something and damned if they don't. Rioting solves nothing.
GR,
UK

If the Asian communities feel the police in Oldham were being heavy-handed then they should be grateful that they are not treated with the same ferocity that greets Irish protestors in Belfast or Derry. Where were the plastic bullets at the weekend? Or would using them on the "mainland" imply a country on the edge of disintegration?
Fergal Downey,
Ireland

Outlawing the Nationalist parties is definitely NOT the right thing to do. We are all entitled to free speech, but when it ends up stirring racial hatred, then some type of legal powers ought to be implemented. I agree with the PM, Oldham is not typical of race relations in the UK. In London, the majority of whites and non-whites get along wonderfully. It's a pity to see such small-minded racists in Manchester. But what can the Asians do if the police don't protect them?
Kash,
London, UK

The police do not have the resources to deal with thugs and this is exacerbated by a legal system which does not adequately punish people

Paul Mercer,
Saudi Arabia

The recent troubles in Oldham are in my view due to a growing yob culture. Sadly the police do not have the resources to deal with thugs and this is exacerbated by a legal system which does not adequately punish people who terrorise others. Once we have adequate penalties which deter thugs from intimidating others, only then can we have trust in the police force to adequately protect the citizens of the UK.
Paul Mercer,
Saudi Arabia

The police must be seen to take a hard line against racism perpetrated by whites. The politicians should outlaw organisations like the British National Party who openly encourage racism and should aim to make the Asians feel secure. At the same time the Asians must try to improve their lot and break the cycle of poverty and lack of education. The leaders should get together with the local agencies to try and create more opportunities and outlets for the Asian youth to further themselves.
Roshan,
England

There is undoubtedly racial
tension and provocation on both sides

Robert Whitehouse,
UK

There is undoubtedly racial
tension and provocation on both sides,
but clashing with and risking the lives of police
men and women is a completely unacceptable
way of demonstrating their feelings.
Asian
community leaders should unreservedly
condemn the actions of these hundreds of
Asian youths.
Robert Whitehouse,
UK

While white people are responsible for 'white on black' racism; and black people are responsible for acts of 'black on white' racism; we're all responsible for good race relations.
Chucking petrol bombs (and petrol the price it is!) at the police merely gives the white racists an excuse to stir up further trouble.
If you're unhappy with the police look to your history and a certain MK Gandhi. He preached non-violent direct action - let's hope the Oldham petrol-bomb chuckers develop the brains to practice it.
Deepak Puri,
Sheffield, England